Moda Tempo Review

Reviewer: Stu Bowers

12-Nov-2010 | 0 Reviews

Rating:

£1,599.99 (at time of review)

Pros

Good value
Ultegra groupset
Good quality wheels
'Classic' frame feel

Cons

Harsher ride than carbon fibre

See verdict and spec

We test out a £1,599 aluminium-framed, Ultegra-equipped offering from new UK-based brand Moda

UK brand Moda is a collaboration between a premium Far-Eastern frame manufacturer and a small group of Derbyshire-based riders. Value without compromise is the company's ethos, and the Tempo is the starting point - Moda's entry-level road bike costs £1,599.99.

A complete Ultegra 6700 groupset, and an American Classic wheelset are signs Moda is preparing to stand up and be counted. That's certainly good value, and kit that won't let you down. Bareli finishing kit may not look quite as posh as bigger brand names, but performance on a budget is what Moda needs, and it delivers.

Wheels are always so critical to the overall feel and American Classic's Victory 30 package was on the money. Light and stiff, the wheels enhance the qualities of the lively 7005 aluminium frame that, for me, possessed a reassuring and classic feel. In fact, if not for the latest carbon Ultegra levers when you look down, you'd think you had stepped back in time 10 years - in a good way.

The Moda Tempo is reminiscent of the good old days of frames built in butted 7005 aluminium, which let's not forget, were top of the line not so long ago.

Verdict

When built well, frames of this ilk rode superbly, and the Tempo had those instantly likeable tendencies: stiff and flighty off the mark, nimble through turns with precise handling and lots of feedback.

Don't expect a flying carpet ride though. What it boils down to is it was fun to ride, and with the spec, it's a safe bet for the price.